NV Patrick Piuze "Val de Mer" Rosé, Brut Nature, Burgundy, France

Val de Mer is the latest project of Chablis' newest star, Patrick Piuze. After more than a decade making wine in Chablis for the likes of Olivier Leflaive, Verget, and Jean-Marc Brocard, Patrick Piuze began his own label in 2008, sourcing top quality fruit by using the many connections he had made in the region over the years. The wines were immediately praised by critics and a new star was born. By the time he released his second vintage, the demand had already surpassed the small supply, and Patrick had no plans on increasing his production. Around this time, Patrick received a phone call from François Moutard, who has a sizeable estate in Champagne and had recently purchased a winery and some vineyards in the Chablis region. François knew Champagne, but was finding his new project in burgundy more difficult so he sought Patrick’s help. Soon the two were partners in a new venture they called Val de Mer which was to be made from their own estate vineyards as well as purchased fruit from Patrick’s many sources in Chablis.

At the Val de Mer winery there is a complete range of wines produced including Bourgogne Blanc, Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru and 3 Grand Crus. Patrick is quick to point out that although he is making the wines in the same manner as the wines under his own name, that Val de Mer has its own identity and personality. It is a separate winery located 20 minutes from Chablis and the wines ferment, and age differently here due to the winery’s location in a cool valley and the fact that the wines are made at ground level rather than underground as they are at his own winery. The change in ambiance results in wines that are uniquely their own. Often more classically styled in character than the Patrick Piuze wines which are richly textured and layered, the wines of Val de Mer exhibit pronounced minerality and racy acidity that one expects from Chablis.